Chevy C/K Pickups 1960–87: An Illustrated History
Chevy C/K Pickups 1960–87: An Illustrated History
ITEM E515
By Mike Mueller & Brad Bowling
For uninitiated readers—or those too young to recognize a Grateful Dead song—Chevrolet’s C/K coding denotes model year 1960’s two new pickup lines: C for conventional two-wheelers and K for the company’s brawnier 4X4 counterparts. Showcasing many truck market milestone moments, the lengthy C/K tale recounted in this book encompasses three generations: 1960–66, 1967–72, and 1973–87. The first-generation C/K was launched in the fall of 1959 as a 1960 model and featured many firsts—the most significant of these were a drop-center ladder frame that allowed the cab to sit lower than ever before and an independent front suspension that gave the trucks an almost car-like ride. The second-generation C/K debuted in 1967, at which point GM began adding comfort and conveniences to a product that had previously been for dirty work only. The gen-2 trucks have proven extremely popular with collectors thanks to the attractive styling and excellent drivability. The third generation was unveiled in 1973 and produced through the end of 1987 and enjoyed a total restyling. Due to a relatively smooth appearance that encouraged better aerodynamics and higher fuel economy, these trucks were promoted as the “Rounded Line.” The first three generations of Chevy’s popular C/K pickups are the most popular, affordable, and collectible pickups on the market today. High production numbers mean used parts are easy to find, and there is a large aftermarket for reproduction parts.
150 pgs., 8½” x 11”, Color and B&W photos, brochures, and illustrations.
I am an inveterate Acknowledgement reader, so I usually turn to this feature first. Author Mike Mueller acknowledges a lengthy list of supporters, but one especially caught my eye—Dave Hohman, my longtime friend and, prior to his death, publisher of my books. Dave would have loved to publish this delightful book. Why? Visually, the book’s array of color photographs and sales literature images creates a dynamic look—and I say this in the most complimentary way—like a magazine. Credit co-author (and this magazine’s editor) Brad Bowling. Mueller’s breezy style often adds to the book’s appeal; however, do not let this quality suggest the book lacks factual substance. The chronologically based account opens on a celebratory note, with an Introduction that looks at Chevrolet’s 2017 Centennial Celebration to set the stage for coverage of the 1960–87 C/K pickups. “Something Borrowed, Something New” offers highlights from Chevrolet’s truck history. “1960–66: Enter the C/K Era” covers the first-generation C/K trucks, while “1967–72: More Kind, More Gentle” does the same for the increasingly car-like second-generation models. “1973–87: Long Haulers” provides an account of the “Rounded Line” or “Squarebody” models. Finally, “And Then Some” briefly surveys the offerings through 1998 and the introduction of the Silverado.
Book Review by Robert Gabrick
